Quick visit to Uluru

I read the item about Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in the September ’10 “Boarding Pass” column. While on a Holland America Line cruise in mid February ’09, I was one of about 12 passengers who took the ship’s four-night Australian Outback excursion, which included Uluru (Ayers Rock).

We flew from Adelaide to Alice Springs (two hours), staying in a nice motel across the Todd River, which was as dry as a desert. We walked around town (pop., 25,000) in the more than 90-degree weather.

The next morning we took a bus 200 miles to the big rock. This was a flat journey, and I saw no wildlife other than the camels at the gas station we visited between Alice and Ayers.

Contrary to what people may think, there is a sizable development at Uluru, with perhaps three large hotels featuring swimming pools, restaurants and bars.

After having champagne and nibbles near Uluru and watching the sun set, we went maybe five miles away for a dinner buffet. I ordered a Manhattan and the bartender said, “We don’t do nothing fancy out here, mister.” I drank a beer instead. We retired to nice, comfortable rooms.

At 5 o’clock we got up to watch the sun rise at Uluru, where multiple colors come into play from very early until mid morning. We took walks around The Rock (none of us planned to climb), observed the vegetation and visited a museum nearby.

I cannot avoid mentioning the flies. They were everywhere and were attracted to the moisture in our eyes. Many people wore protective covering, which was uncomfortable and limited vision. These pests were also in Alice Springs. In the early morning they were not too predominant.

We flew on to Perth, where we reboarded the ship in Fremantle.

PHILIP H. DE TURK

Pinehurst, NC